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Crystal Coast Kid Friendly Events - 2026 Schedule

Crystal Coast Kid Friendly Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of February 2, 2026 - February 8, 2026
Monday, February 2nd 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Atlantic Beach

Take advantage of the temperate spring weather and uncrowded shorelines to discover the wealth of wildlife that calls this coastal North Carolina region home. The Bird Hike at Fort Macon is a fun and engaging opportunity to explore one of the Crystal Coast’s most renowned landmarks while spotting a myriad of local and migrating birds that flock to this coastal destination.

Week of February 16, 2026 - February 22, 2026
Friday, February 20th - Sunday, February 22nd
Beaufort

No need to travel to New Orleans for a taste of Mardi Gras – a celebration is waiting close to home in the town of Beaufort, North Carolina! Mardi Gras on Middle Lane is an enticing afternoon event that pays homage to the grand annual party with an array of ways to have fun for visitors of all ages. From activities for the kids, to live Cajun music and jazz, there will be a fun party atmosphere throughout at the Mardi Gras on Middle Lane event.

Week of March 9, 2026 - March 15, 2026
Saturday, March 14th
Emerald Isle

Visitors of all ages will have a ball at the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival, which is an annual celebration that has become one of the most anticipated events of the springtime season. Going strong for more than 25 years, the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival features a wealth of food, arts and craft vendors, rides, and activities for kids, which will all combine to get attendees into a festive holiday spirit.

Week of April 6, 2026 - April 12, 2026
Friday, April 10th - Saturday, April 11th
Newport

Initially started nearly 50 years ago as a fundraiser for the Newport development center, the annual Newport Pig Cooking Contest has grown into one of the largest whole hog BBQ contests in the country, with plenty of ways for barbecue pros and everyday visitors alike to join in the fun. Held in the heart of Newport, and attracting visitors from all over the state and beyond year after year, this event is a great opportunity for BBQ fans of all ages to appease an appetite with plenty of great food and fun to go around.

Week of April 27, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Saturday, May 2nd
Beaufort

The annual Wooden Boat Show is a tradition in the town of Beaufort, and its 50th celebration in 2026 promises to be bigger and more engaging than ever before. With a long roster of activities that are slated for the weekend-long event, visitors will be treated to a wealth of activities, displays, exhibits, and interactive ways to join in the fun.

Week of June 8, 2026 - June 14, 2026
Monday, June 8th - Friday, June 19th
  • Monday, June 22nd - Friday, July 3rd

Beaufort

Young residents and visitors who have always dreamed of charting their own course on their water can learn all about the basics of sailing and beyond at the summertime Junior Sailing Program. This day camp that is open to all children ages 8 and over will cover everything that young mariners need to know about two classes of sailboats, and is an immersive and fun way to discover a new skill while enjoying the open waters of Beaufort, N.C.

Week of June 15, 2026 - June 21, 2026
Monday, June 8th - Friday, June 19th
  • Monday, June 22nd - Friday, July 3rd

Beaufort

Young residents and visitors who have always dreamed of charting their own course on their water can learn all about the basics of sailing and beyond at the summertime Junior Sailing Program. This day camp that is open to all children ages 8 and over will cover everything that young mariners need to know about two classes of sailboats, and is an immersive and fun way to discover a new skill while enjoying the open waters of Beaufort, N.C.

Week of June 22, 2026 - June 28, 2026
Monday, June 22nd - Friday, July 3rd
  • Monday, June 8th - Friday, June 19th

Beaufort

Young residents and visitors who have always dreamed of charting their own course on their water can learn all about the basics of sailing and beyond at the summertime Junior Sailing Program. This day camp that is open to all children ages 8 and over will cover everything that young mariners need to know about two classes of sailboats, and is an immersive and fun way to discover a new skill while enjoying the open waters of Beaufort, N.C.

Week of June 29, 2026 - July 5, 2026
Monday, June 22nd - Friday, July 3rd
  • Monday, June 8th - Friday, June 19th

Beaufort

Young residents and visitors who have always dreamed of charting their own course on their water can learn all about the basics of sailing and beyond at the summertime Junior Sailing Program. This day camp that is open to all children ages 8 and over will cover everything that young mariners need to know about two classes of sailboats, and is an immersive and fun way to discover a new skill while enjoying the open waters of Beaufort, N.C.

Week of August 31, 2026 - September 6, 2026
Saturday, September 5th 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Emerald Isle

The youngest members of your vacationing party will have a ball at this special event that’s designed just for them, and which features a wealth of free activities that everyone in the family can enjoy. Emerald Isle Day4Kids is a special celebration that features plenty of fair-style games, food, and other activities that showcase how fun Emerald Isle can be.

Week of October 5, 2026 - October 11, 2026
Saturday, October 10th - Sunday, October 11th
Swansboro

If you’re a southern seafood fan, then you’re going to love the annual Mullet Festival of Swansboro. This two-day affair features a wealth of ways to enjoy this local crystal coast staple, as well as plenty of games and activities that celebrate the food, flavor, and all around fun of the heart of Swansboro and the North Carolina coastline.

Week of October 26, 2026 - November 1, 2026
Saturday, October 31st 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Newport

With tons of games, food, fun, and attractions for visitors of all ages, the Newport Halloween Hootenanny is an annual event that can’t be missed. Held on Halloween night, this event is a community-wide celebration of the season, with lots of fun, food, and candy to go around all evening long.

Week of November 23, 2026 - November 29, 2026
Saturday, November 28th 2:00 PM
Emerald Isle

Celebrating more than 20 years, the Emerald Isle Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting is a favorite wintertime event for visitors and locals alike that provides a fun and unforgettable way to ring in the season. Held in the heart of town, and featuring a line of floats that capture both the holiday and the coastal spirit, this annual parade and celebration will make everyone want to celebrate the holidays, Emerald Isle style.

Week of December 7, 2026 - December 13, 2026
Friday, December 11th - Sunday, December 13th
Morehead City

Come explore a winter wonderland of holiday sights, sounds, and smells at this festive event that is celebrating its 12th year in 2026. The annual Gingerbread Festival & Competition is a fun and all-encompassing celebration that has incredible gingerbread displays, fun crafts and activities for the kids, and lots of ways to celebrate the holidays in style while admiring some of the most unique and creative gingerbread creations that the Crystal Coast has to offer.

Crystal Coast Map
Emerald Isle Indian Beach Pine Knoll Shores Atlantic Beach Shackleford Banks Beaufort Morehead City Cape Lookout Cedar Island Harkers Island New Bern
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center

Trace the historic roots of Harkers Island and its centuries-long life on the water with a visit to the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center. Located in the heart of Harkers Island along Island Road, (an authentic Crystal Coast...

 Poolside Ground Floor Studio Unit #125....

This is a welcoming studio condo that you will just appreciate! Located on the pretty island of Atlantic Beach NC. with vistas of the Intercoastal Waterway and direct ocean access across the street. This condo is entirely equipped with everything...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
Family friendly oceanfront townhome only...

Your Atlantic Beach adventure begins at this 4-bedroom townhome. Inside, guests find three queen beds and two twin beds, ideal for families or groups. Four bathrooms offer plenty of space and convenience, each equipped with a hair dryer. The...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Lookout Cruises

Visitors can enjoy the Crystal Coast’s most coveted and hard-to-reach shorelines, or just embark on a breezy cruise of the open waters in search of dolphins and sunsets, with a trip that’s guided by Lookout Cruises. This local tour...

Stunning 2BDR Oceanfront Condo in Peacef...

As soon as you open the front door, imagine seeing the ocean stretching out as far as your eye can see, seemingly countless in its expanse. Step out onto the sizable private covered porch, breathe in the salt air, and get ready for a memorable...

  • Pine Knoll Shores
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 5
J Chalk Designs

Discover a treasure or two to serve as a timeless reminder of your getaway to the Crystal Coast with a visit to one of the most unique jewelry stores in the Carteret County region, J Chalk Designs. Specializing in fine pieces that are truly one of a...